Premier League predictions: Man United march on; Newcastle maintain momentum

We pick out the winners and losers from the New Year round of English top-flight fixtures

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  FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30: West Ham United v Brentford (11.45pm, UAE): It's looking pretty bleak for Hammers manager David Moyes after their Boxing Day defeat at Arsenal. Just one point above the relegation zone, and no wins in the league since October 24. Brentford, however, are proving to be a tough nut to crack. Prediction: West Ham 1 Brentford 2. Reuters

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  Liverpool v Leicester City (midnight): There seems to be a new determination about Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool after their indifferent start to the season. Victory at Villa has narrowed the gap on the top four, and the capture of PSV star Cody Gakpo will only make them stronger. Prediction: Liverpool 4 Leicester 1. Reuters

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  SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31: Wolves v Manchester United (4.30pm): It's wonderful to see United striker Marcus Rashford playing with a smile again. His improvement is a big plus for Erik ten Hag after the Cristiano Ronaldo fall-out, and can only enhance their chances of silverware. Prediction: Wolves 0 Man United 2. Reuters

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  Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (7pm): A 3-0 defeat at home to Fulham will not have pleased Palace manager Patrick Vieira one little bit. They are struggling for wins more now, and this could be another tough ask. Prediction: Bournemouth 2 Crystal Palace 1. Getty

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  Fulham v Southampton (7pm): Along with Newcastle, Fulham are the success stories of the season so far, underlined by their impressive win at Palace on Boxing Day. The Saints, however, are now bottom after four defeats on the spin. Prediction: Fulham 2 Southampton 0. PA

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  Newcastle United v Leeds United (7pm): Six wins in a row for Newcastle, the fifth round of the League Cup, and the means to strengthen in January. The momentum is getting stronger every week. Prediction: Newcastle 3 Leeds 0. Getty

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  Manchester City v Everton (7pm): Can anyone stop City phenomenon Erling Haaland? It appears not. And very unlikely to be struggling Everton to change that. Prediction: City 5 Everton 0. PA

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  Brighton v Arsenal (9.30pm): Another win, showing resilience to fight back from behind against West Ham. Just the quality champions need - can the Gunners really keep City at bay? Now 13 wins from 15 in the Premier League suggest they just might. Prediction: Brighton 1 Arsenal 3. Getty

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  SUNDAY, JANUARY 1: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa (6pm): Two down to Brentford before Harry Kane started the rescue job, and a point saved. Could be worse but with Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea below them, Spurs will be looking over their shoulders. Prediction: Tottenham 2 Villa 1. AP

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  Nottingham Forest v Chelsea (8.30pm): Chelsea boosted their top-four hopes as they resumed with a comfortable victory over Bournemouth, after three defeats pre-World Cup. Blues manager Graham Potter will be hoping they've turned the corner heading into 2023. Prediction: Forest 0 Chelsea 2. PA

The World Cup only just behind us, and the Premier League is back in full swing with the usual mixed bag of fixtures over the New Year.

Boxing Day saw parity maintained at the top, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle all winning after the lengthy break, and they will all be looking to keep it that way as the games come thick and fast.

The latest round starts on Friday night with West Ham hosting Brentford, and Liverpool at home to Leicester City.

Saturday sees six fixtures, including Manchester United's trip to Wolves, then Manchester City home to Everton, and finally leaders Arsenal at Brighton.

On New Year's Day, Tottenham host Aston Villa and Chelsea go to Nottingham Forest.

And that's it, before they all start again on January 2.

You can see our predictions for the New Year round of fixtures in the photo gallery above.